Wilfredo Naranjo Verdecia

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Pachy was born in Manzanillo, his cultural and musical talent was so natural that at just 5 or 6 years of age he was already playing small piano pieces that Rolando La serie sang, such as "Moliendo café," among others. He acquired this knowledge without academic help, although his mother was a music teacher.

As for the systematic preparation of his art, in 1960 he enrolled in the Hubert de Blank music conservatory in the city of Manzanillo. They quickly captured his talent for the formation of a combo called "Los traviesos," which led to the idea of a more professional group for his career.

This is how the Orquesta Original de Manzanillo was born in 1963 as the first French charanga of the Golfo del Guacanayabo, although according to its director in the first artistic activities the name that characterized the distinguished orchestra was "La Típica Pachy."

With the birth of this group, the city of Manzanillo achieved a very broad musical development, which was led by the wonderful success that the "Original" had from its founding.

We cannot forget that the important pillar of this orchestral base is its director Pachy Naranjo, who immediately gained fame as an arranger, so much so that he was called to participate in one of the Musical Creator festivals held in santiago de Cuba, where his talented creation had emphasis since a musical work was created where three institutions were merged: the Sinfónica de Oriente, the Jazz Band Orchestra of modern music from Santiago de Cuba, and the Orquesta Original de Manzanillo. This turned out to be a professional artistic work of great importance, so much so that it enjoyed congratulations from Adolfo Guzmán, who gave his opinion accredited by the level of quality that the work possessed.

In this way he continued to develop successfully in his career as a composer, arranger, and orchestra music director, thus achieving high merit within the cultural and social sphere that led to the awarding of important decorations and prizes granted for his musical mastery, as well as recognition for his artistic development within Cuban music.

Awards and Decorations
In 1988 he receives the Alejo Carpentier Medal awarded by the Council of State.
In 1990 he is granted the Distinction for National Culture awarded by the Council of State.
In 1994 he wins the sole Orchestration Prize performed by the Orquesta Original de Manzanillo.
In 2002 he receives the Félix Varela order of the first degree awarded by the Council of State.

Our master Wilfredo "Pachy" Naranjo has known how to carry out his position as Director with discipline and develop as a musician with great quality, from Manzanillo and without abandoning his cultural roots.

This Orchestra and its director have spread our indigenous music with great pride throughout several countries, where it has been received with much respect and through a musical touch of this Cuban orchestra they have managed to establish their style.

They have carried out 52 international tours distributed among: Panamá, México, Canadá, Colombia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Guadalupe, Martinica, Rusia, Alemania, Bélgica, Holanda, Francia, España, and African countries.

For their outstanding artistic work they have obtained the honor of presenting their music at very relevant international events such as:
- Caribbean Festival in Cartagena de Indias (Colombia 90).
- 1st Salsa-Jazz Festival in Bogotá (Colombia 90).
- Show of the Americas RCN Bogotá (Colombia 92).
- Caribbean Festival in Cancún (México 92).
- Meeting of Flamenco and Cuban Son in Sevilla (España 95).
- Caribbean Party in Colonia (Alemania 95).
- Antillean Party in Hoggstraten (Bélgica 95).
- Congo de Oro in Barranquilla (Colombia 98).
- Festivals of Burquina Faso, Malí, Tago and Costa de Marfil (África 98).
- Latin Music Festival in Disneyland (Francia 99).
- Show of the Stars in Bogotá (Colombia 99).
- Exponer Fair 99 in Chetumal, Quintana Roo (México 99)

The Orquesta Original de Manzanillo, in its trajectory has been a former of musical values, that is, it has been a school in the world of music, has represented Manzanillo. For this incessant dedication and for the high quality that this group has possessed since its beginnings, it has been awarded and honored.

The orchestra directed by Pachy reached its 40th anniversary of founding on December 21, 2003, in whose commemorative gala renowned personalities from the country made their debut alongside the orchestra, such as Frank Fernández, Omara Portuondo, Cándido Fabré, among others, mixing musical talents that provided the listener with an extensive display of orchestral virtuosity.

The distinguished Orchestra of the Provincia Granma has a discography of 17 LPs and 14 CDs evaluated by four EGREM awards where they have obtained Silver discs, the highest in Cuban discography and more than 45 hits on Cuba's National Radio.

For its professionalism and its wide acceptance in the cultural framework, this orchestra has participated in the strongest events of popular music in our country such as: Varadero Festivals, Benny Moré Festival, Son Festival, Cha-Cha-Chá Festival and in radio and television contests.

They also participated in the Guinness Record, "The longest son in the world" held in La Habana in 1997. The Orchestra has several hits in its repertoire, including: "Mi sombrero de yarey," "El cinturón del taxi," "Acabo de llegar," "A la hora que me llamen voy," "Vía libre," "Córranse ahí caballeros (La guagua)," "Yo que la conozco bien," "Patica de chivo," "Poquito de muchacho," "Cuidado con el gallo," "Manigueta," several of which have been Gold records in various countries and their success has deserved famous versions in the United States, Puerto Rico, México, Venezuela and Colombia. To these are added the masterful versions that its director has made of the classics of Cuban popular music with the true distinctiveness that they have given the seal of the Original to themes such as: "Son de la loma," "La Guantanamera," "La Macorina," "Como arrullo de Palma" and "La Bayamesa" to name just a few.

The Orchestra has a broad repertoire and addresses several genres such as sones, guarachas, danzones, rumba, cha-cha-chá, salsa and Caribbean rhythms, among others, but although it has ventured into so many musical genres it is considered a Son Orchestra par excellence.